Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier Structure And Function In Syringomyelia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$82,630.00
Summary
Syringomyelia is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst forms within the spinal cord. These cysts expand over time resulting in paralysis or even death. Syringomyelia occurs in association with spinal cord injury and a number of congenital conditions. In this project we aim to investigate the underlying cause of cyst formation, which is currently unknown. It is hoped that these studies will improve our understanding of cyst formation and facilitate development of better treatment strategies.
The Therapeutic Potential Of Neuroepithelial Cells In The Injured Rat Spinal Cord.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$69,684.00
Summary
At present, human spinal cord injury is a permanent disease, as damaged cells (neurons) within the spinal cord are unable to regrow. Early in development, some species have the ability to regrow neurons across a damaged area. The cells that support this regrowth are unknown. These supportive cells could be an effective means of stimulating regrowth in the adult spinal cord. Our aim is to investigate the growth potential of rat embryonic spinal cord cells, for adult spinal cord cell regrowth.